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Topic: real (old-fashioned) touring shoes (Read 6265 times)

I have a very old pair of Avocet touring shoes, i.e., the kind that have a smooth soul except for 5 ridges that "slot" easily into toe-clip pedals. I've looked EVERYWHERE - in bike and sports shops in the many countries in which I've ridden and in every catalog I've seen - to find these perfect touring shoes, to no avail. Any help here? A related topic: does anyone know of touring shoes that are also waterproof (in and of themselves, without having to pull something over them)? Text

In the late '80's I had two pair of the same Avocet shoes you describe and liked them a lot. Then I discovered clipless pedals (Speedplay Frogs) and have absolutely no desire to go back to clips, straps and the Avocet shoes.

Actually, there are similar shoes currently available from Shimano and others that have ridged rubber soles but are not as extreme as MTB shoes. They have a covered pocket intended for SPD cleats but don't require them.

Even completely waterproof shoes will not keep your feet dry. Water will run down your leg, enter the tops and soak you from the inside. High booties tucked under waterproof rain pants will keep your feet and shoes dry for a while but not forever. Also, waterproof shoes will contain sweat and your feet will get wet even on a dry day.

The only ones I've seen recently have been Carnac Carlits and Forclaz. You can order them from Europe or from xxcycle.com in the US. I haven't seen them in person, but supposedly they are narrower than normal Carnacs. There is also the Diadora Voyager sold by Nashbar and a few bike shops. However, it does have a big velcro strap that could cause problems with toe clips.

Sean, Thank you. I just checked out xxcycle.com and those shoes look promising. There's not a clear picture of the soles and I'd like to see them first-hand. Would you happen to know of any US catalogs or stores that might have them?

I wish I could help you out more, but you know as much as I do about them now. Sinclair Imports does not import them, to the best of my knowledge, so it is unlikely you will ever see them in person in the US without ordering them. A number of the British etailers do carry them, but they don't give any more information.